As part of a new bicycle facility pilot program, the City of Mississauga’s Transportation and Works and Community Services Departments have installed crossrides – a crosswalk for cyclists and pedestrians - on a number of multi-use trails in the City.

“This is the first time in Ontario that the Ministry of Transportation has granted special permission to a municipality to allow cyclists to ride their bikes across selected crosswalks,” said Martin Powell, commissioner, Transportation and Works. “Installing the crossrides is just one of the ways in which Mississauga hopes to promote cycling as a way of life.”

Powell explained that typically, cyclists are required to become pedestrians when crossing at an intersection by dismounting and walking their bicycles across. At a crossride, a cyclist can ride their bicycle along a crosswalk based on design guidelines provided by the Transportation Association of Canada.

“A combination of pavement markings and signage is being used to identify the bicycle crossing to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.” added Andy Harvey, manager, Traffic Engineering & Operations. “Drivers and pedestrians have not been trained to expect cyclists crossing off the travelled portion of the roadway so the key task moving forward will be generating awareness and promoting education among residents.”

Currently crossrides are installed on Sheridan Park Drive at Homelands Drive and Fifth Line, with more to come this year.

As Canada’s sixth largest city, Mississauga is home to 730,000 residents and 55,000 businesses, including 61 Fortune 500 companies with Canadian head offices or major divisional head offices. A diverse, progressive and award-winning municipality located on the shores of Lake Ontario in the heart of the Greater Toronto Area, Mississauga is one of Greater Toronto's Top 90 Employers for 2010. Enhancing its citizens’ quality of life by providing superior services, revitalizing its infrastructure and conserving the environment, Mississauga is committed to innovation, operational excellence and fiscal responsibility which is reflected in its motto: “Leading Today for Tomorrow.”